Bioinformatician / Senior Bioinformatician - Genomics Core Facility

APPLICATION CLOSING DATE: June 4th 2022

HT is a new interdisciplinary research institute, created and supported by the Italian government, whose aim is to develop innovative strategies to promote human health and aging through a multidisciplinary and integrated approach, combining genomics, computational and structural biology and neuroscience, as well as data and decisions sciences.

The Human Technopole Foundation is looking for one or more Bioinformatician / Senior Bioinformatician to join the Computational Genomics core unit, which is a scientific support unit embedded within the Human Technopole’s new Genomics Facility. The Computational Genomics core unit will be responsible for the processing of large volumes of ‘omic data generated by the Facility, benefitting from a large High-Performance Computing and Data Storage infrastructure, and from close interaction with a community of computational biologists at HT.

The HT Genomics Facility hosts cutting-edge technologies for high-throughput sequencing, multiple single-cell profiling technologies, as well as spatial transcriptomics instruments.

The Computational Genomics core unit will be responsible for setting up and maintaining state-of-the-art computational workflows for all data generated by the facility, including genome, transcriptome and epigenome sequencing data (both high throughput and bespoke), as well as single-cell technologies. A key mission will be to ensure the delivery of computational analyses for large-scale and single-cell multi-omics projects to the Institute’s Research Centres. The unit will also be expected to contribute to the development of new optimised analysis pipelines, and the rapid standardization/implementation of new computational approaches for emerging technologies. Reproducibility and robustness of bioinformatics analyses, using standardised and modular workflows, will be at the core of this role.

The successful candidate will report initially to the acting head of the genomics facility.

She/he will have the following responsibilities:

The Bioinformatician / Senior Bioinformatician of the Computational Genomics core unit will:

• Operate and maintain the bioinformatics analysis infrastructure to process whole-genome, whole-exome, transcriptome and epigenome sequencing data, including at single cell resolution.
• Contribute to implementing priorities and resource planning for the Computational Genomics branch of the Genomics Facility;
• Implement and run reproducible and robust computational genomics workflows and pipelines based on workflow languages (i.e. Nextflow) and software containers (i.e. OCI, dockers, singularity) in concert with the Genomics Steering Committee and the Scientific Computing Steering Committee;
• Implement and run workflows to ensure quality control and visualization tools for fast data assessment;
• Integrate computational genomics workflows with HT sample tracking infrastructure
• Contribute to collection and evaluation and quality control of genomic datasets;
• Cooperate with the institute’s research groups to implement analysis for novel technologies;
• Work closely with the High-Throughput Sequencing and Multiomic Technologies branches of the Genomics Facility to organize samples’ metadata and process newly generated data
• Constantly optimise computational workflows and maximise cost-effectiveness;
• Closely follow technological developments that could benefit the facility;
• Participate actively in the overall development of HT core facilities;
• Build effective links and collaborations within HT;
• Participate to bioinformatics training programmes of the institute.

Job requirements:

• Multiple years of experience in a team overseeing analysis of high-throughput sequencing data
• MS or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject, e.g. computational sciences, physics, engineering or a related field of science;
• Documented experience with setting up computational workflows for genomic data analysis, including robust standard operating procedures for quality assurance;
• Extensive experience with Nextfow or Snakemake for workflow management
• Experience with exploratory data analysis and data visualization using R or python.
• Experience with reproducible research environment and version control systems;
• Experience in delivery of genomics projects, ideally medium to large-scale;
• Previous experience working with data generated by the sequencing technologies present in the Genomic Facility is preferred;
• Experience with long-read sequencing and single-cell analysis is highly advantageous;
• Excellent computational skills and trouble-shooting;
• High-Performance Computing and Unix systems savvy;
• Ability to interact effectively with other teams and work synergistically to drive projects forward;
• Meticulous organization;
• Fluency in English – HT is an international research institute;
• Proven communication and problem-solving skills;
• Special consideration will be given to candidates who are part of the protected categories list, according to L. 68/99.

Application Instructions

Please apply online by sending

I) a CV

II) a motivation letter in English

III) names and contacts of 2 referees

Only for general enquires concerning the role, please contact: mailto:[email protected] rel="noopener">[email protected]  (this email address should not be used to send applications).

Additional Information

HT offers a highly collaborative, international culture to foster top quality, interdisciplinary research by promoting a vibrant environment consisting of independent research groups with access to outstanding graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and core facilities.

HT is an inclusive employer that fosters diversity and engages systematically to ensure that equal employment opportunities are provided without regard to age, race, creed, religion, sex, disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin or any other legally recognized status entitled to protection under applicable laws.

HT offers attractive conditions and benefits appropriate to a leading, internationally competitive, research organization that promotes a collegial and open atmosphere. The compensation package granted will be internationally competitive and comprise pension scheme, medical and other social benefits and support for relocation and installation. Candidates coming to Italy for the first time, or returning after residing abroad, benefit from very attractive income tax benefits.

The Human Technopole Foundation is based in Milan.

Number of positions offered: 3

Contract offered: CCNL Chimico Farmaceutico, Permanent - Employee level

The position is based in Milan.